buffer issues?????

A

airjames

New member
:confused:



I'm really lost about whether or not to use buffers. I hear buffers are faster and in some cases do a better job than doing it by hand. Then I hear buffers can cause little swirls in the paint, then you have to polish and wax those out by hand. I'm very confused. I feel like i got 100 different questions going through my mind :mad: Someone please straighten me out on buffers. Thank you



91
 
Where are you hearing this stuff? I suggest sticking to whatever's been archived/posted here at Autopia as opposed to outside sources.



There are two types of "buffers": rotary buffers (risky) and random orbital buffers (like the PC, much safer). This confuses the issue when you read someone generically mentioning "buffers". Basically they are a time saving device.



Have you tried searching for things like maybe "buffer safe" or some title searches? I know this has been covered a lot before.
 
When you are referring to buffers, I'm going to assume you are talking about a high speed wheel. I believe you do need to learn how to use one. You need to practice, practice, practice. There are certain jobs where you could not get the same results by hand, or you would have to spend a lot more time. It's true you can leave swirl marks, but in time and hands on experience, you will be able to leave a swirl free finish. Many shops leave swirl marks because they try to rush the buffing process or cut corners going diretly from a cutting compound to a wax.



I don't use a high speed wheel on every vehicle. If the paint is in good condition I can do everything with my PC or Gem orbital.



As far as following up with a polish and wax, you should be doing this even if you compound by hand.
 
NJDetailer said:
I don't use a high speed wheel on every vehicle. If the paint is in good condition I can do everything with my PC or Gem orbital.
Click to expand...



I agree. I have a rotary and a pc. The pc is used on cars that are in good condition. the rotary is for the ones that really need it.



PC is very easy to use and almost care free.

The rotary, blink and the paint will be gone.
 
NY detailer said:
I agree. I have a rotary and a pc. The pc is used on cars that are in good condition. the rotary is for the ones that really need it.



PC is very easy to use and almost care free.

The rotary, blink and the paint will be gone.
Click to expand...



Plus at the PC and the DeWalt orbitals weight many many many many times less than a rotary and are a lot less strain to use :p



Rotarys also throw polish and dust meaning after polishing you'll have to do a finaly buffing to get all the thrown polish off.
 
With simple care your not going to burn the paint. Just keep it moving and be careful. You can use a nice foam pad with a Rotary buffer and get those nasty little swirls out. Like a charm. Compounding with a buffer will leave swirls and it is suppose to. Though when you polish you remove them during this process. You can then use a finishing glaze to remove even the finest of swirls for a perfect finish with a rotary. My guess is that if you get a rotary you will never go back to anything else or think of anything else. My guess is that with a finish just with swirls you can just polish it once or twice and have a perfect finish. As long as you never exceed 1500 -1800 rpm you will be fine. Get over the fear and go rotary.





:up
 
Hmm, I just noticed now that this thread was posted up in the Professional Detailers section. :o If you really plan to buy a machine for your detailing business, then it's probably advantageous to learn how to use a rotary confidently and very well (or customers will get upset...) since the big advantage of a rotary machine is pure speed. And in the detailing business, time is money.



However if this is just for your own personal use, a rotary buffer is probably overkill. The reason for this is that even if your car's paint requires some moderately serious swirl removal, you will only need to perform this operation once, and afterwards only yearly or biannual minor swirl removal sessions should be necessary. Using the right pads and products should allow you to fix even neglected finishes although it may take longer and DavidB's video and Alboston's thread go through this. In the long run a PC is safer for casual users since time isn't as great a factor and it requires less skill, practice, and concentration to handle. It's better suited for routine, frequent use with the occasional semi-serious restoration.



Well, there you go. With greater polishing power comes greater responsibility. I believe that the majority of rotary users detail professionally and most weekend warriors (like me) find the PC more suitable, but hopefully you should have enough info now to make up your own mind. :)
 
Tks guys, great advice too!:up



Well I would like to get a buffer and since you all point out that if it's for own personal use, i should just go with a PC buffer or a Makita maybe??? Since I'm still kinda young ,I think i will jsut stick with either good ol fashion hand power or get a PC or Makita maybe. Tks again



91
 
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